{"id":514857,"date":"2024-11-27T08:50:26","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T13:50:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northernvirginiamag.com\/?p=514857"},"modified":"2024-11-27T12:48:41","modified_gmt":"2024-11-27T17:48:41","slug":"festive-places-to-travel-for-a-weekend-this-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northernvirginiamag.com\/things-to-do\/travel\/2024\/11\/27\/festive-places-to-travel-for-a-weekend-this-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Festive Places to Travel for a Weekend this Holiday Season\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

People say there\u2019s no place like home for the holidays, but we think there\u2019s something extra special about seeing a new place during the festive season. Whether touring historic homes by candlelight, sipping on holiday cocktails in a new setting, or putting on ice skates for the first time in years, here are six festive destinations offering some December travel cheer.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Longwood
Longwood Gardens (Photo by Hank Davis)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Longwood Gardens\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The over 1,000-acre Longwood Gardens<\/a> in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is a seasonal favorite given the yearly transformation of its grounds into a winter wonderland. Marvel atover 18,000 holiday plants, more than 67,000 Christmas tree ornaments, and half a million lights illuminating the grounds. New this year is a glass conservatory filled with Mediterranean plants that are sure to brighten even the gloomiest winter days. End your visit with a festive meal at Longwood\u2019s new fine dining restaurant, 1906<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Blitzens
Blitzen’s Bar (Courtesy Omni Homestead)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Bath County\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bath County has been a draw for travelers since the 18th<\/sup> century due to its naturally occurring mineral springs. Today the springs continue to be a magnet for visitors, as does the town\u2019s original resort, the Omni Homestead<\/a>. The Omni goes all out for the holidays and this year the famed hideaway is launching a festive pop-up holiday bar, Blitzen\u2019s Bar<\/a>, that will shake and stir throw-back cocktails with d\u00e9cor worthy of A Christmas Story <\/em>\u2013 think leg lamps, neon signs, and plenty of tinsel and cocktail umbrellas. Throughout the season, the hotel will show holiday movies in its 1920s theater, as well as hosting a breakfast with Santa, and story time with his elves. Don\u2019t leave without a soak in the onsite hot springs to banish any winter chills. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Middleburg\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The heart of Virginia\u2019s horse and wine country, Middleburg is extra busy and festive as a holiday destination. Head to the tony town during the first weekend of December for the Christmas Parade<\/a> full of red-coated fox hunters, horses, and hounds. Being an onlooker in the parade is a perennial favorite, as is shopping for the holidays the old-fashioned way: in small shops in person. Middleburg is full of small-business gems like Cr\u00e8me de la Cr\u00e8me<\/a>, Middleburg Books<\/a>,\u202fHighcliffe Clothier<\/a>, Federal & Black<\/a>, and The Christmas Sleigh<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"The
The Biltmore (Photo by Jason Tarr, courtesy Visit Asheville)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The Biltmore\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Christmas at The Biltmore<\/a> will take on a new meaning this year after the Asheville estate\u2019s surrounding areas suffered during Hurricane Helene. The North Carolina attraction is very much open for the holidays, however, and has a full lineup of programming including\u00a0candlelight evening tours<\/a> of the historic mansion. Grab tickets early (they\u2019re sure to sell out) and plan to spend extra time roaming the decorated grounds.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Tea
Rittenhouse Hotel (Photo by Gab Bonghi)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Philadelphia\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s nothing like playing tourist in a nearby city during the holiday season. Head to Philadelphia and enjoy the city\u2019s wealth of museums like the Barnes Foundation<\/a>, the Philadelphia Museum of Art<\/a>, and the Rodin Museum<\/a>. Round out your visit with a festive afternoon tea at the historic Rittenhouse Hotel<\/a>, a skate session at Dilworth Park<\/a>, and a visit to the city\u2019s 50-foot-tall Christmas tree<\/a> at City Hall where you can do some shopping at Christmas Village Philadelphia<\/a>, an annual German holiday market.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Kid
Courtesy Visit Williamsburg<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Williamsburg and Jamestown\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nostalgia and the holidays go hand in hand, and nowhere is the past more alive than in Colonial Williamsburg<\/a>. In December, you can experience Colonial-era music, holiday tea at the Williamsburg Inn<\/a>, and programs ranging from workshops on making candle centerpieces for your holiday table to talks on what Colonial brides wore during the holidays. Nearby, in historic Jamestown, you can learn about how \u201cChristmastide\u201d<\/a> was celebrated in 17th<\/sup>– and 18th<\/sup>-century Virginia. There will be interpretive programs, cooking demonstrations, and musical performances (including caroling) to bring the holiday\u2019s past alive.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n